State Sen. Betty Little will not be running for Owens’ 21st District seat in Congress

Monday, January 20, 2014 - 2:33 pm

State Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensbury) says she has thought it over and has decided not to run for Congress.

“Having taken some time to think about it, I've decided not to seek the Republican nomination for the open Congressional seat and will run for reelection to the New York State Senate as I had planned.” Little said in a statement this afternoon.

Little represents the 45th Senate District, which includes the eastern St. Lawrence County towns of Parishville, Lawrence, Clare, Colton, Hopkinton and Piercefield, along with Franklin, Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington counties.

All of that territory and more make up the 21st Congressional District which is now held by Plattsburgh Democrat Bill Owens, who is not running again.

That has opened up the field for both Democrats and Republicans from Lake Champlain and Lake George to Lake Ontario. Speculation is rampant, and it will be some time before a clear filed of candidates is up for consideration by voters.

But Little, one of the people on whom the spotlight had focused in recent days, says the Senate will keep her busy.

“The past few years have been very productive and I'm hopeful for another strong legislative session this year. Representing the residents of the 45th Senate District continues to be a tremendous honor,” she said.